The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has vowed action against the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence before, during, or after the forthcoming general elections.

Also, the possession or use of weapons for electoral purposes, attack on political opponents, intimidation of voters, destruction of public or private property, or any other criminal conduct disguised as political participation, would not be tolerated, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, said

Disu gave the warnings yesterday in Abuja at the national youth leadership and security dialogue, with the theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” organised by the NPF to commemorate the International Youth Day 2026.

He emphasised the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate in political activities, support political parties, express their opinions and campaign for candidates of their choice, provided such activities remain peaceful and lawful.

The IGP maintained that the dialogue could not have come at a more appropriate time, as Nigeria approaches another important election season.

According to him, “Nigeria is a country of remarkable diversity in ethnicity, religion, geography, culture, political affiliation and lived experience.

“Yet, beneath these differences, our young people share common aspirations: the desire for a secure future, meaningful opportunities, quality education, decent livelihoods, dignity, justice and the freedom to pursue their dreams.

“The challenge before us is how to ensure that these aspirations are not sacrificed on the altar of political expediency, criminality or violence.”

Therefore, he urged the youth to remember that while politicians contest elections, they (the youth) live with the consequences of those elections.

He urged them to consider that when the campaign is over, political actors may reconcile, but the young Nigerians who lost their lives to electoral violence do not return home, just as the person who is arrested must face the law, and the person permanently injured carries the scars, while the families whose properties are destroyed bear the losses.

IGP also appealed to political leaders and actors across the country not to incite or recruit young people to fight their political battles.

He also warned that “misinformation. disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, impersonation, deepfakes, online intimidation, coordinated digital attacks are increasingly capable of damaging reputations, inflaming communities, provoking real-world violence and undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.”